Did your Duke Energy bill go up recently? Then read this story.
By JIM TURNER THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA Posting or forwarding this material without permission is prohibited. Contact news@newsserviceflorida.com THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, August 25, 2014 Duke Energy Florida will have to explain to state regulators an ongoing change in its billing process that two lawmakers say is spiking costs. Public Service Commission Chairman Art Graham…
Are drones coming to Disney?
Image via patent application 20140231590 People tend to get all creeped out when they hear about drones. However, as we’ve shown before, drones can accomplish some awesome things that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to do: capture killer aerial videos, go hunting for hurricanes and protecting wildlife, just to name a few. As the Wall Street Journal reported today, Disney’s taken…
Niko Is plans free pop-up show Tuesday at Reilly’s Pub
Turnt up: Photos from Talib Kweli’s music video shoot at Bullitt Bar If you’re still sleeping on Niko Is – the Orlando rapper (and Brazilian transplant) recently signed to Talib Kweli’s label, Javotti Media, to release his upcoming LP, Brutus – you better wake up in time to catch his free pop-up show tomorrow night 9…
Rotation: Ray Brazen on Le Butcherettes’ ‘Cry Is for the Flies’
Le Butcherette’s ‘Cry Is For the Flies’ What local artists are listening to. Ray Brazen has been making lo-fi music for more than 30 years, since before they even had a term to identify it, getting his start while still a high-schooler in New Jersey, where he says he lived in R. Stevie Moore’s shadow.…
Two people take the ALS Ice Bucket challenge while riding an Orlando coaster
Image via Attractions Magazine We know, we know: there’s been roughly 1 billion ALS Ice Bucket challenge videos posted all over the Internet in the last couple weeks. Hell, our publisher even got in on the action. But Banks and Lisa from Attractions Magazine took the challenge in what is possibly the most Orlando way ever:…
This Little Underground: Sales at Will’s Pub
This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly’s music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city’s music scene. Read the latest column here. Sales at Will’s Pub Sales is a young Orlando band that’s showing all the signs of heavy buzz potential. The duo’s been catching some early national attention on the Internet via…
It’s too darn hot: Five sweet treats to help you beat the heat
This weekend it’s supposed to hit over 100 degrees. You’ve got some options on how to stay cool: You could hunker down in a darkened room, obsessively streaming Netflix with the A/C turned way, way down, but you’ll probably keel over when you get your electric bill next month. Or you could spend all day…
Our publisher took the #IceBucketChallenge, plus our favorite ALS Ice Bucket Videos
With the amount of times we’ve heard people say “ALS” this week, you’d think it was an EDM Festival coming to town. But it’s not. ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease and it causes the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to degenerate, which eventually causes death.…
This Little Underground: Phil Longo’s Hat Trick Band Bingo Skills Challenge
This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly’s music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city’s music scene. Read the latest column here. Phil Longo’s Hat Trick Band Bingo musical skills challenge at Will’s Pub (photo by Ashley Belanger) The latest genius concept in music battles comes from one of the architects of the…
Thank you, Internet: Weed-laced pizza and Spotify serendipity
It’s Friday, it’s stupid hot outside and you just wanna go home (or go drinkin’). Here are some links that should help you pass the time until 5 p.m.: Image via FoodBeast 1. First there was the Burweedo. Now, marijuana pizza is on its way. Unique Pizza and Subs, a Pittsburgh pizza chain, has begun work on…
Ever wanted to see a Disney Prince’s dick? Here you go! (NSFW, obvs)
Image via Jezebel After this, you’ll never be able to look at a Disney Prince the same way again. The staff over at Jezebel got tired of always hearing about “Disney Princess this” and “Disney Princess that” and decided to take a look inside the trousers of our favorite Disney Princes. They weren’t happy with…
Get Back to Business at Bookmark It
Image via Bookmark It Our favorite (and, well, only) locally-owned independent bookstore, Bookmark It, is throwing a Back to Business Book Club this Monday, Aug. 25. This event, geared toward small business owners and entrepreneurs, features four published authors: Jerry Ross, Executive Director of National Entrepreneur Center (Business Shorts); Jimmy Vee (Gravitational Marketing); Matt Heller,…
Taste a summer’s worth of cheeses with La Femme Du Fromage
Image via La Femme du Fromage On Saturday, August 23, join local cheese expert and she takes you on a sensory trip through her summer travels. Tonda Corrente of La Femme Du Frommage spent the summer taking trips with one goal in mind: to bring back delicious cheeses to Orlando. And this weekend, she wants to…
Learn the art of the spring roll with MasterChef’s Francis Biondi
Image via Francis Biondi On MasterChef earlier this summer, it was a spring roll that proved fatal for Orlando chef Francis Biondi’s reality show dreams. This weekend, he’s facing his fears with a spring roll workshop where he hopes to right all his wrongs … and teach you the art of the spring roll in…
SeaWorld CEO tells Sentinel parks should have done more to combat Blackfish
Photo of Jim Atchison via SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund Today, the Orlando Sentinel ran an interview with Jim Atchison, CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment Inc., who says that the theme park giant should have fought harder against claims made in the controversial documentary Blackfish. Atchison, who says the movie was “so misleading, so full…
The Hunger Games theme park: Good idea or bad idea?
Image via Lionsgate Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games is an immensely popular book series that has turned into a ridiculously popular movie franchise, but would the adventures of Katniss Everdeen translate into a vacation-worthy theme park? Um, probably not. But, according to Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer, the studio is deep into discussions to do just that.…
Man goes to Disney, proposes to all the princesses
Last month on his trip to Disney World, Blaine Gibson wanted to make the happiest place on earth just a little bit happier. So, he bought a cheap ring at Walmart with the goal of proposing to as many princesses as he encountered on his Disney vacation. And the pics do indeed tell a happy…
Dogs from Apopka fight bust ready for release to rescue
In May, authorities in Apopka busted a dog-fighting ring while a fight was in progress. The raid resulted in confiscation of more than 30 dogs, who have since been housed at Orange County Animal Services. The shelter petitioned to gain custody of the dogs, and their request was finally granted. OCAS recently announced that it…
What you can do to combat the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus
Image courtesy of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida. Getting bit by a mosquito is a bitch, but in Florida, it’s pretty inevitable. Sometimes, the bites from those pesky critters can cause a virus. Right now, the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus is on the rise. The virus, which is not life-threatening produces flu-like symptoms, including high…
Five questions for John Morgan
By MARGIE MENZEL THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan is spearheading a move to pass a constitutional amendment that would legalize medical marijuana in the state, putting millions of dollars of his own money and his considerable public-speaking skills behind it. He’s also backing an employee of his law firm –…
9 free things to do in the Orlando area this weekend (8/22-24)
30 fun things to do in Orlando this week (8/20 – 26) Looking for some unusual activities to do this weekend, but don’t wanna break the bank? Here are some ideas: 7th Annual City Skip Day Kick off the weekend a couple hours early at Wall Street Plaza, with free beer, live entertainment and games.…
Seven new restaurants, two closures, and a not-so-extreme makeover
Correction: The original version of this blog incorrectly indicated that Thomas Ward still owns the Treehouse Truck. He is no longer the owner, and the story has been corrected to reflect that fact. We regret the error. We told you back in November of 2013 that it was coming; now the day is finally at…
Still sick, still poor: New study shows Orange County with minimal access to paid sick days
Today, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research released a study specifically focusing on the access to paid sick days for residents of Orange County, something that by now you’re certainly aware has been a bone of contention over the last two years. Seeing as we’re in early voting for the Aug. 26 primary, and said…
Read the arrest affadavit in Vixen Bar shooting incident
Kody Roach Today the Orlando Police Department released the arrest affadavit and charging documents for 23-year-old Kody Roach, the man who was arrested in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Aug. 14 outside Vixen Bar. At 1:43 a.m., two bike officers responded to a 911 call about a man “waving a gun around” inside the…
Kerouac House writer in residence Maya Sloan gets an unexpected visitor
In our Aug. 20 article “Ghost stories: Maya Sloan admires Orlando’s spirit,” we mentioned that the current Kerouac House writer-in-residence hadn’t hung out with any Rich Kids of Instagram or Kardashian types since she moved into Jack’s place. (Sloan co-authored the novelized version of RKOI and was ghostwriter on Kendall and Kylie Jenner’s dystopian YA novel City of Indra.) But…
Journalist James Foley allegedly beheaded by ISIS; former UCF student could be next
via NYT/freejamesfoley.com/AP This morning, the confusion and horror of the purported ISIS beheading of journalist James Foley, who was abducted while on assignment nearly two years ago in Syria, continued to linger in the air, though the video of purporting to so said incident was removed from YouTube. (Gawker appears to have it archived here,…
‘Frozen Letter’ shoves Spider Bags into the long-overdue spotlight
Album review: Spider Bags’ ‘Frozen Letter’
‘Gone With the Wind: Reel to Real’ opens at the History Center
Orlando’s not Hollywood East, but this exhibit brings some movie magic
Opening soon: Mamak, Freshii, Zab Thai and another Shake Shack
Plus don’t miss the O-Town MacDown
Megamalls = megaheadaches
Reader comments and letters to the editor
Quantum Leap makes wine tasting modern
Bar Exam: The what, where and why of Orlando drinking spots
‘The History Boys’ offers a nuanced version of schoolboy angst
Despite surface similarities to ‘Dead Poets Society,’ the Mad Cow production is more subtle
Is Disney making kids gay?
Ridiculous column pulled from Tampa Tribune after public outcry
Savage Love
I’m a 20-something genetic male. I thought for a while that I might be trans, but I ended up deciding that while I hate my masculine features and like girl clothes and want to be “cute,” I have no desire to be female and don’t want to have breasts or a vagina. I also don’t…
Winter Park’s Mount Vernon Inn slated for redevelopment
Unicorp wants to build luxury apartments and a retail complex at the site
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19) An American named Kevin Shelley accomplished a feat worthy of inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records. While wearing a blue satin martial arts outfit, he smashed 46 wooden toilet seats over his head in just one minute. Some observers may be inclined to dismiss his efforts as frivolous and…
Cymbals Eat Guitars’ ‘Lose’ borders on the realm of perfection
Album review: Cymbals Eat Guitars’ ‘Lose’
Drinking, Nightlife and Parties
Where to drink and party in Orlando this week
TrIP shows humans of Orlando at Gallery at Avalon Island
The public transit-inspired project opens its portrait show Thursday
Rick Scott’s private email scandal
Attorney sues over possible violation of Sunshine Laws in governor’s office
Movies opening in Orlando theaters this week
‘Are You Here,’ ‘Calvary,’ ‘Frank Miller’s Sin City: A Dame to Kill For,’ ‘If I Stay’ and ‘When the Game Stands Tall’
Brooklyn writer Maya Sloan admires Orlando’s spirit
Current Kerouac House resident bids adieu to the ghost of Jack Saturday night
Florida Prize winner Agustina Woodgate leads workshop
Collaborate with artist on a rug made of stuffed-animal ‘pelts’
Voting is sexy!
Three reasons you should be hot and bothered enough to vote on Aug. 26
Golden Pelicans discuss the necessity of visceral shows
The Total Punk band’s frontman Erik Grincewicz on their debut self-titled LP
Can Mingos establish itself on this hard-to-please corner?
A little more change will be vital for this seafood and steak joint
Beach Day charts new creative territory on ‘Native Echoes’
Album review: Beach Day’s ‘Native Echoes’
Police Beat: Incidents reported by the Orlando Police Department
A stolen cement mixer, man is ambushed on his way to meet a friend, police seek help searching for serial arsonist
This Little Underground: The Ted Nugent dilemma
Plus live reviews of OFF!, Gay Kiss, Bad Antics
Vote smart: Why the Aug. 26 elections are important
Your vote matters, and here’s why
Songwriter Tori Amos spends her career lifetime in search of herself
Mislabeled a “fairy princess,” Amos shifts her perspectives to challenge and broaden listeners’ worldviews
Entries for the 24th annual Florida Film Festival now being accepted
Image via Florida Film Festival Hey, filmmakers, think you have what it takes to present your masterpiece in the 2015 Florida Film Festival? Get it finished soon, because FFF is now accepting entries in the following competition categories: Short films, both animation and narrative Both short and feature length documentaries Narrative features International films Considered one…
This Little Underground: Obliterati reunion at Will’s Pub
This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly’s music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city’s music scene. Read the latest column here. Perpetual motion: Obliterati reunites at Will’s Pub (photo by Ashley Belanger) After this many years on the beat, I’ve learned is that our city’s music history is deeper than the knowledge…
Trader Joe’s issues recall on almond butter
Image via OC Weekly If you got caught up in the Trader Joe’s madness this summer, you might want to check your cabinets. This afternoon, Trader Joe’s issued a recall on both their Raw Crunchy Unsalted Almond Butter and their Raw Creamy Unsalted Almond Butter. Here is the official recall notice from the chain: To Our…
Cut loose with a free showing of the original Footloose
Image via IMDB You can catch Footloose, the ultimate tale of teen repression, for free (in an unrepressed environment) tomorrow at the Enzian as part of their Wednesday Night Pitcher Show series. The movie, which turns 30 years old this year, the film tells the story of Ren McCormack, a big city boy played by Kevin Bacon…
Holy wow, 10 more restaurants opening soon in Orlando
Cindy’s Café has a new name and anew location! (photo via CindysCafeOrlando.com) Last night foodie megasite Eater released a list of their 53 most anticipated restaurant openings for Fall 2014. A few are in Miami — el Bulli alumna Najat Kaanache’s Piripi, Miami powerhouse Michelle Bernstein’s latest spot, Seagrape, and Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s new Morimoto South Beach should…
National Honey Bee Awareness Day is Saturday
Image via Wikipedia Everyone’s heard of Colony Collapse Disorder by now – it’s the umbrella term for the massive European honey bee die-off we’ve been experiencing in North America over the last decade. According to a USDA report we’ve been losing about 33 percent of domestic bee colonies since 2006. It seems the culprit is…
Liveblogging this afternoon’s Orange County Board of County Commissioners meeting: the punitive edition
Good day! Pull up a magical chair, won’t you? Things are probably going to take awhile this afternoon, when, as promised, your stars of the Orange County Board of County Commission featuring Mayor Teresa Jacobs will resurrect the idea that constitutional offices within the county should be nonpartisan, term-limited, in-county positions, or something. Basically, they’re…
Pam Bondi is now a quirky rock song
Thanks to our friends at Broward-Palm Beach New Times, we now know that Attorney General Pam Bondi, last seen begging the court system to slow the fuck down because all this gay marriage noise is getting too expensive (which is rich when you consider how much Bondi has spent defending other partisan issues), has miraculously…
One dead, two injured in officer-involved shooting downtown (UPDATE)
Image via News13 Orlando police were called to respond to a report of a patron with a gun at Vixen bar early this morning. According to police, a confrontation ensued when they arrived, and shots were fired. According to an eyewitness account posted to Facebook by Kane Lee, an employee of the Corona Cigar Co.,…
